Sony announce the world’s first full-frame DSLR with 24.6 megapixels

Just when you thought it was safe to take a breather from all the recent announcements from Canon and Nikon, along comes Sony and trumps both of them!

DSLR-A900

The 24.6 megapixel DSLR-A900 comes with a full-frame CMOS sensor with Exmor™ technology. It has a high-performance pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage, a high-speed 9-point AF, SteadyShot and a photo quality 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD.

With 5 fps continuous shooting at full resolution 24.6 MP, it certainly offers a strong challenge to anything Canon or Nikon can offer. Allowing up to 105 JPEGS or 12 RAW images is what its competitors can manage. Bear in mind however, that the Sony is doing this at 24.6 MP!

Its 9-point centre cross AF system has 10 focus assist points and is claimed to be fast and accurate. We have every reason to accept Sony’s claim here but the final verdict will have to wait for comparative tests.

With the usual SteadyShot image stabilisation offering 2.5 – 4.0 extra steps of performance, it certainly compares well with Nikon and Canon’s offerings.

The Dual anti-dust systems and the D-Range Optimiser are two other features that make this an attractive proposition and compare well with the similar systems in Nikon’s and Canon’s offerings.

What differs, surprisingly, is thae lack of Live view or a built-in pop-up flash. Sony’s implementation of Live View in the A350 was widely praised and so its absence here is somethng of a surprise. The lack of built-in pop-up flash is less of a problem. What the market will make of this remains to be seen. For professinal photographers this may be less of an issue than for the enthusiast or semi-pro. However, one of the benfits of the Live View system is in low-level photography, such as macro-photography out in the field.

Another feature lacking is video, which in light of the Nikon D90 offering HD video (5 minbs recording at a time), may be a minus point for some. It does, however, offer HDMI output at 1920 x 1081i, which is better than the 720p offered by the Nikon.

The α900 full-frame digital SLR will be available from October 2008. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM lenses will be available from early 2009. Price TBC

UPDATE: The Daily Telegraph is reporting that the list price will be £1,195 when it comes on sale in October. This is considerably less than price previously mentioned by other sources. If its true, then the street price may well be less than this by the time Christmas comes around, possibly around the £995 price point (body only). It would also mean that the likes of Canon and Nikon will seriously have to up their game, when you consider the Nikon’s D3 costs £2,679.00 inc. VAT, body only, and which has only 12.2 MP sensor. The Canon EOS-1 Mk III offers 21 MP and is available for around £4,739.99 inc. VAT.

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Nikon’s new D90 takes you to the movies

Hot on the heels of Canon’s announcement of the EOS 50D comes Nikon’s announcement of its forthcoming D90.

Nikon UK today announces another great step forward in its mid-class DX-format D-SLR range: the D90.

As the world’s first D-SLR with movie function, this remarkable camera offers truly cinematic results, stunning image quality and innovative high-performance features inherited from Nikon’s new-generation DX-format flagship D300. The D90 will open new doors for photography enthusiasts of any level.

With 12.3 megapixels, the newly-designed DX-format CMOS image sensor and Nikon’s proprietary EXPEED image processing concept, the D90 is a quality-guarantee. Advanced features such as Live View, Scene Recognition, Active D-Lighting, Picture Control and an ISO sensitivity range of 200-3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent on Hi1 and ISO 100 equivalent on Lo1), allows creativity in almost any setting. And to ensure all these features are easy to use, they are packed in an ergonomic body with an intuitive operational layout.

For full specification please click here

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Canon EOS 50D announced!

The EOS 50D: Outstanding speed and resolution for the discerning photographer
   

The digital SLR that photography enthusiasts have been waiting for, Canon’s new EOS 50D offers incredible speed and resolution at a unique price point.

An outstanding 15.1 Megapixel resolution allows giant prints and cropping without compromise. This is matched by shooting at 6.3 frames per second in bursts of up to 90 shots[1]. See every wing beat of a bird in flight. Freeze a mid-air leap, or a split-second facial expression. With the EOS 50D, it’s possible to capture those instants that slower cameras can miss.

A new high resolution 3.0″ Clear View LCD screen provides ultra-detailed image review, as well as accurate focusing when using the Live View mode. Canon’s 9-point AF system tracks moving subjects and locks onto stationary objects with equal ease. As night falls, base ISO levels can be pushed up to 3200 – or expanded to 12800 for situations where flash is best avoided. 

Plus – as with all EOS cameras – creative flexibility is assured, thanks to Canon’s world-leading range of lenses and accessories.

Features

    * 15.1 MP (APS-C) CMOS sensor
    * 6.3 fps with up to 90 JPEG image burst
    * DIGIC 4 processor
    * ISO range up to 12800
    * 3.0″ VGA LCD with Live View
    * High precision wide area AF
    * Magnesium alloy body
    * EOS Integrated Cleaning System
    * EF/EF-S lens and EX Speedlite compatibility

 

Pricing & Availability:

The EOS 50D (body only) is available from end of September 2008 priced at £1199.99 / €1599.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 50D EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM kit is available from end of September 2008 priced at £1499.99 / €1949.99 RRP inc. VAT.
   
 http://www.canon.co.uk/About_Us/News/Consumer_Releases/2008_News/NEW_EOS_50D_DSLR.asp
 http://snipurl.com/3k66j

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Canon announces EOS 1000D DSLR

Canon has announced it is introducing a new consumer model DSLR, the EOS 1000D. It is intended as a replacement for the 400D, with a cheaper price point. However, it will offer the same DIGIC III image processor as the Pro models in Canon’s range, as well as Live View mode, RAW files and integrated sensor cleaning.

No UK price has been announced as the exchange rates are somewhat turbulent, with all the talk of the economic situation getting worse before things improve. It should be available in July when the new camera is probably going to be available for around £499 inc VAT.

Detailed specs are as follows:

With a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and technology inherited from Canon’s professional models, the EOS 1000D offers EOS imaging power in an affordable, easy-to-use package

Feature

10.1 MP CMOS sensor Up to 3fps 7-point wide-area AF Self-Cleaning Image Sensor 2.5” LCD with Live View mode DIGIC III processor SD/SDHC card slot Picture Styles processing Compact and lightweight Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
A 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail to make A4-size prints, even when cropping your image. Canon’s CMOS sensor technology also ensures crisp, sharp images even in low-light conditions.

Up to 3 frames per second
For dramatic mid-action shots, the EOS 1000D allows continuous shooting of large JPEG images at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, until the memory card is full. With a 2GB card, this lets you shoot up to 514 images without a pause.

7-point wide-area AF
A wide-area Auto Focus system uses 7 separate focusing points to lock onto subjects fast. The central focus point enables focusing even under low-light or low-contrast conditions.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Canon’s built-in dust prevention system guards images against the effects of dust in three ways: reducing dust generated inside the camera, shaking dust from the sensor each time the camera is turned on or off, and mapping stubborn dust spots for removal with the provided Digital Photo Professional software.

2.5″ LCD with Live View mode
In Live View mode, use the bright 2.5” LCD to frame and take shots from awkward angles. During playback, the LCD provides detailed review of shots, and features a wide viewing angle for easy sharing with friends.

Large viewfinder
A large, bright viewfinder allows framing of subjects even in the brightest conditions.

DIGIC III processing
Canon’s cutting-edge DIGIC III processor – as used in professional EOS models – delivers rapid operation, accurate colour reproduction, fast start-up times, and low power consumption.

SD/SDHC memory card compatible
Shooting to the popular SD/SDHC memory card formats, the EOS 1000D is ideal for those who already own SD-compatible devices.

Total image control
Take control over the look and feel of your images with easy to use Picture Style presets. Contrast, sharpness and saturation can be customized in-camera or with Canon’s comprehensive software suite, supplied with the EOS 1000D.

Compact, ultra-lightweight body
The smallest and lightest Digital EOS model yet, the EOS 1000D weighs just 450g – and is ergonomically designed for comfortable handling.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 1000D is compatible with the complete range of EF/EF-S lenses, Speedlite EX flash units and EOS system accessories.

For further info visit Canon UK